On the edge

Are you on the cutting edge of technology?  I can't claim to be there.  I still use a "dumb" phone for heavens sake!  But I do read, learn, and keep moving in that direction.  Here are three apps I use on my iPad mini that are great for our industry and could move you closer to the edge.   The Hunter Douglas Platinum app allows you to control motorized shades with your Apple mobile device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch).  Customers that can afford motorization most likely own an Apple device and will love the convenience of the Platinum app -- no more searching for the remote control.  I installed a motorized roller shade over the entrance to my living room last December.  I wanted to be able to close off the room when I ran my gas fireplace to heat the room quickly and keep it warm. Motorized shades are great for the summer months too, when you want to block out the sun glare on your TV or shade against solar heat gain. I just returned from the International Window Coverings Expo in New Orleans where I attended a "Future of the Industry" panel discussion.  Bill O'Connor, president of Horizons Window Fashions, predicted that in 3 or 4 years traditional sample books would become a thing of the past.  He said the new Horizons Sample Book app has great photography and the ability to zoom in on an image. Horizons also offers free sample swatches so your customer can touch and feel the final selections.  I ordered the traditional roller shade sample book and also downloaded the app. There were some skeptical designers in the audience.  They couldn't envision not flipping through the actual sample book when selecting possible options.  I can't wait to get feedback from the designers I work with as I introduce them to the Horizons app.  They won't have to drive to my house to borrow the sample book.  They will be able to show the product with only their iPad and even order the free swatches themselves. I also attended a class called "iPad for Design Pros".  The long list of apps for our industry was daunting.  The image of the knife dripping with blood came to me as I tried to imagine getting to the cutting edge!  I decided to pick one new app and try it out.  It is called My Measures PRO.  It allows you to take a photo and add dimensions directly on the photo.  I will use this app during measure appointments.  It provides a photo of the space to refresh my memory when I start working on the job weeks later and it eliminates the need for free hand sketches of the window/wall configuration when recording measurements.  I can also see designers using this app to provide measurements for their workroom so that they can accurately quote the job without the need for a client visit.  Here is an example of what the app can do: If you are on the cutting edge and need a workroom on that edge with you, e-mail me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com.  If you aren't there yet but want to be, e-mail me and I'll help you get there with as little bleeding as possible! To learn more about each app, click on the triangle in the center of the picture to play the video:  My Measures PRO App         Hunter Douglas Platinum App Horizons Sample Book App

Let's Move!

When your customer wants a sleek, tailored look for drapery panels, grommet panels are a great option.  They have clean lines and a no fuss heading.  Interior designer Eve Elzenga used them beautifully in this living room.

The one drawback to traditional grommet panels is that they are not easily operable.  When you move the leading edge of the panel, the grommets tip at an angle and get stuck on the pole, making it difficult to open and close the panels.

Why doesn't this happen with pinch pleat panels or ripplefold panels?  Because carriers in the drapery hardware are connected to each other.  As the leading edge of a panel is moved, the next carrier is pulled along and with it the drapery panel.  

When I was tasked with making operable grommet panels at the Pultneyville Grill, I used this same concept by connecting the grommets with bead chain.  The Grill owners wanted to be able to separate the dining area for private parties and special events.  Interior designer Elizabeth Butler specified grommet panels so that the panel header would look good on both sides and also have minimal stackback.  Here is a close-up of the grommet header.  I sewed bead chain from grommet to grommet on the front and back of the panel.  The length of the bead chain was set so that when the chain pulled taut, the panel just fit the opening.  Below are pictures of the panels fully closed and open with a tieback.  You have to look very closely to see the taut chain on the closed panel!

Today you can buy grommets specifically made to accommodate this bead chain concept.  Rowley Company sells a product call Grom-A-Link (photo at right).  Below are pictures of the back of a panel using the Grom-A-Link grommets.

We often hear the rallying cry of "Let's Move" from our First Lady.  Now we can heed that cry even when using grommet panels.

If you are looking for a workroom that can come up with innovative solutions to your next drapery problem, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com

Knob Knob. Who's there?

Knobs are a great option for drapery hardware.  They come in all different shapes and sizes and all different materials and finishes.  They can be used in a wide range of styles from contemporary to transitional to traditional.  And they can be used for a wide variety of window treatments from drapery panels to valances to swags and jabots.  Check out these pictures that show the many possibilities for knobs.

These are slouch panels with tiebacks on wood knobs from Paris Texas Hardware.

Anne Marie Weissend, Vitoch Interiors

Here are point to point swags with side jabots on metal knobs from Amore Drapery Hardware.

Janis Reed, Interior Design Source

 This is a scalloped valance with bias cut horns on ceramic MacKenzie-Childs knobs.

Bev Dyminski Interior Design

Knobs can also be used to solve installation dilemmas presented by arched or angled windows, bow windows, and corner or bay windows.  Here the metal knobs from Amore were angled to follow the shape of the window.

Bev Dyminski Interior Design

 Here the Cirque de Paris knobs from TMS Menagerie follow the curve of the bow window.

Bev Dyminski Interior Design

Sometimes knobs are used to add a detail or special feature to a window treatment.  The design of this swagged valance is taken up a notch by raising the center knob.

Janis Reed, Interior Design Source

Here a contrasting fabric was introduced to the design by mounting the knobs directly on the striped cornice.

Janis Reed, Interior Design Source

Knob Knob.
Who's there?
Bean.
Bean who?
Bean wondering what hardware to use?  Try knobs!  If you are looking for a workroom that can sew far better than tell jokes, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com

Don't use that tone with me!

If you have children (or a spouse), I'll bet you have said it.  Hopefully you've never heard it from one of your clients! 

Choosing color is a huge part of your job.  Believe me when I say I can't do it and I certainly won't be lecturing you on how to do it.  But I do like to follow the latest color trends.

A few months ago, Naomi Harel of Invision Design Partners had an article in her newsletter about Pantone's 2013 Spring color forecast.  She included the picture below with the 10 color predictions.  Naomi suggested we had seen some, if not all, of these colors on the red carpet at the Emmys the night before.  I went looking for the dresses (she was right!) and then got the idea to see if these colors would make an appearance on "my runway" (my workroom table) in the upcoming months.  Look what I've seen so far. 

 

Kelly Osbourne and a window seat cushion in a young girl's room share the color African Violet.  According to Pantone, exotic African Violet is a statement color that brings a touch of intrigue to the palette.  Do you think that's true of Kelly's hair, too?  

 

  

Pantone says Nectarine is a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones providing a tangy burst of flavor and cheerful Lemon Zest brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast.  While Padma Lakshmi and Julianne Moore looked beautiful in their gowns, I think both of these colors are perfect as trims at the bottom of relaxed roman shades.

    

Signifying the time of day when everything starts to wind down, Pantone says Dusk Blue offers a calming sense of serenity.  That is the perfect choice for Zooey Deschanel and this bedding ensemble.  Sweet dreams! 

   

Exuberant Poppy Red is a seductive, sensual and celebratory shade according to Pantone.  These dining room panels are perfect for the next holiday celebration or family party.  Wouldn't Kat Dennings be a nice addition to the guest list?

   

   

The prevalence of green in the spring forecast is undeniable.  As with the many shades of green in nature, Pantone says this season's greens offer a stunning foreground or the perfect backdrop for all other hues.  Like the first signs of spring, Tender Shoots, a vibrant yellow-green, is invigorating, active and cheerful.  Julie Bowen and this pillow would brighten up any room!   

    

  

Sophisticated Emerald is a lively, radiant green inspiring insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being.  Emerald was chosen as the Pantone 2013 color of the year.  Sofia Vergara looks divine in it.  I haven't seen it on my table yet, but if you are looking for a workroom that can transform your Emerald fabric, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com and I'll insert the picture of your project here!

The "Other Repeat"

The vertical pattern repeat is used to calculate how much fabric is needed for a project.  If you have used an on-line yardage calculator, when you are asked to enter the pattern repeat, they mean the vertical pattern repeat.  Some fabric companies only give one repeat in their specifications.  It is always the vertical pattern repeat.  That is because you can't sell a project without knowing how much fabric is required!  

I like fabric companies that also specify the "other repeat" -- the horizontal repeat.  Although the horizontal repeat is rarely used in yardage calculations, it is an important consideration during fabrication.  It comes into play when determining placement of the motif in the window treatment.  When making inverted box pleat valances, I use the horizontal repeat two ways:  1) to determine the width of the flat spaces, and 2) to determine how much fabric to put in each pleat.  This allows for the pattern motif to continue across the entire valance.   

Here is the finished valance.  Working with the horizontal repeat adds subtle detail to the finished valance that is truly custom.   

    

Notice how the Ikat diamond pattern continues through the pleat on this valance:

   

And on the return of this Quatrefoil pleated valance:

 

You can't accommodate the horizontal repeat on every valance design.  Sometimes the window dimensions and pattern repeats just don't work together.  And sometimes the horizontal repeat is too small or too busy.  But there is always a way to make it custom.  Here the pattern was cut on the bias to highlight the inverted pleat. 

     

Like the "other white meat" and the "other woman", the horizontal repeat will always play second string.  But if you want a workroom that will focus on custom details like the "other repeat", contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com

The Rest of the Story

This is a follow-up to the story told in my Olympics-themed August blog post.  The message of that post was to offer silver and bronze options to your price sensitive customers rather than discounting the price of your gold medal option and cutting into your profit margin.  If you missed it or want to read it again, you can find it here.   This is the conclusion to the real life example discussed in August.

The designer, Bev Dyminski, scaled back on some aspects of the project in response to her customer's budget.  Bev stayed with her original concept of swags, jabots, and panels rather than eliminating elements of the window treatment design (GOLD option).  She switched from a lining/interlining combination to a napped sateen lining (SILVER option).  And she found a similar, but less expensive face fabric made of 100% poly (BRONZE option).

The finished project is shown below.  Now that's what I call a winning combination!  If you are looking for a workroom that can help you sweep the podium, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com

Click on the triangle to play the video for the conclusion.

Scaldino

The weather has changed and there is a definite nip in the air.  We are settling in for a long Rochester winter.  Don't let the cold get you down!  Offer your customers a scaldino to brighten up their bedrooms and warm their feet.    

What is a scaldino?  Scaldino (pronounced skawl dee' no) is an Italian word that means warmer for the hands, feet, or bed.   The original scaldino was a metal or ceramic pot that was filled with hot ash or coal, then slipped under the covers at night, providing warmth to bedrooms that were most often unheated.  

Today we know the scaldino as the mini comforter at the end of the bed that warms the feet and protects the spread from a suitcase or other object placed at the foot of the bed.  Adding a scaldino is an easy way to update a bedroom.  A neutral colored bedspread, coverlet or duvet gets a completely new look with a scaldino and matching pillows.  Scaldinos are less expensive than a folded comforter as they take less fabric and labor.  Change them with the seasons to freshen and spice up the look of the bedding.   

When it comes to design, scaldinos can be as simple or as ornate as you want.  Here is an example of a scaldino that matches the decorative pillow and corona panels.   

Janis Reed, Interior Design Source

This scaldino is reversible and banded on all four sides. 

Elizabeth Butler, Elizabeth Butler Interiors

Here is a scaldino that has ruched ends and bullion fringe. 

Anne Marie Weissend, Vitoch Interiors

Is it just a throw blanket?  Perhaps....but doesn't it sound better by its Italian name?  If you are looking for a workroom that can help you transform your customers' bedroom, contact me at peggy@parkwaywindowworks.com.

Decorare felice! (happy decorating).